The Twilight of an Empress and the Rise of New Favorites

In the final years of Empress Wu Zetian’s unprecedented reign as China’s only female emperor, her court became a stage for intrigue, power struggles, and personal indulgence. After the mysterious disappearance of her first male favorite, Feng Xiaobao, two strikingly handsome brothers—Zhang Changzong and Zhang Yizhi—rose to prominence. Unlike Feng, whose origins were humble, the Zhang brothers came from an aristocratic background, descendants of a Tang dynasty chancellor. Educated, cultured, and skilled in music and poetry, they brought a refined elegance to Wu Zetian’s inner circle.

Their introduction to the empress was orchestrated by her daughter, Princess Taiping, who sought to comfort her aging mother. Zhang Changzong, described as graceful and charming, soon recommended his elder brother Zhang Yizhi, creating a powerful duo that captivated the empress. As Wu Zetian grew increasingly detached from governance, the brothers became central figures in her court, wielding influence far beyond the bedroom.

The Lavish Excesses of the Zhang Brothers

Wu Zetian’s favor transformed the Zhang brothers into symbols of extravagance. She established the Fengcheng Fu (Bureau of Imperial Favorites), an institution ostensibly for talented scholars and artists but widely seen as a haven for the empress’s personal pleasures. The Zhangs, adorned in luxurious silks and cosmetics, accompanied her to banquets and state events, blurring the lines between private indulgence and public authority.

Their influence attracted sycophants who addressed them as “Fifth Lord” (Zhang Yizhi) and “Sixth Lord” (Zhang Changzong), titles reflecting their familial rankings. One notorious incident involved Zhang Changyi, their younger brother, who—as a county magistrate—accepted bribes to manipulate official appointments. When a briber’s name was lost, Zhang Changyi callously ordered, “Just promote everyone with the surname Xue,” resulting in over 60 unqualified candidates receiving posts. Such abuses eroded the court’s integrity and fueled resentment.

Political Meddling and Deadly Consequences

The Zhang brothers’ interference in state affairs had far-reaching consequences. Initially, they supported the restoration of Li Xian (later Emperor Zhongzong) as crown prince, a move that aligned with broader political shifts. However, their later actions proved disastrous.

In 701, Crown Prince Li Xian’s children—Li Chongrun, Princess Yongtai, and her husband Wu Yanji—privately criticized the Zhangs’ dominance. Overhearing their remarks, Zhang Yizhi reported them to Wu Zetian, triggering a chain of events that ended in tragedy. Historians debate the exact sequence, but all accounts agree that the young royals died under pressure—either by Wu Zetian’s orders or Li Xian’s desperate attempt to prove loyalty. Princess Yongtai, pregnant at the time, perished during childbirth, adding to the grim toll. This incident shattered Li Xian’s trust in the Zhangs, turning them from allies into enemies.

The Downfall: A Court Divided

The Zhangs’ final misstep came in 703 when they accused Chancellor Wei Yuanzhong and Princess Taiping’s lover, Gao Jian, of treason. Their key witness, the scholar Zhang Yue, initially agreed to corroborate their claims but dramatically recanted during the trial, exposing the brothers’ conspiracy. Though Wei was exiled, the scandal exposed the Zhangs’ vulnerability.

Wu Zetian, sensing the court’s growing hostility, retreated to Luoyang, leaving the Zhangs isolated. Their arrogance had alienated the crown prince, bureaucrats, and even Princess Taiping. By 705, with Wu Zetian gravely ill, a coalition led by Chancellor Zhang Jianzhi staged a coup, executing the Zhang brothers and forcing the empress to abdicate.

Legacy: A Cautionary Tale of Power and Hubris

The Zhang brothers’ story encapsulates the dangers of unchecked favoritism in autocracies. Their blend of cultural refinement and political ruthlessness made them emblematic of Wu Zetian’s controversial reign. While they briefly thrived on patronage, their lack of restraint and miscalculation of court dynamics sealed their fate.

Modern historians view their ascent and fall as a microcosm of Wu Zetian’s later years—a period where personal desires clashed with governance, leaving a fractured legacy. The Zhangs’ tale endures as a warning: in the corridors of power, charm alone cannot sustain influence when ambition outpaces wisdom.